Tender issued for Feasibility Study to Transition Hubballi-Dharwad BRTS to Modern Tram System

Hubli, India (Rail & Metro Today): The Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), under the Urban Development Department of the Government of Karnataka, has invited electronic bids from qualified consultancies to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study for transitioning the existing Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) between Hubballi and Dharwad into a modern, rail-track-based tram system.

The tender marks a step towards examining an alternative public transport model for the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad. The proposed study will assess the feasibility of replacing the existing BRTS model with a modern tram-based system. However, the tender notification does not confirm approval for the conversion or the commencement of construction.

Tender Details and Bid Submission Deadline

According to the tender notification dated October 7, 2026, the tender has been issued under reference number DULT/2026-27/SE0053. The last date for submission of electronic bids through Karnataka's Karnataka Public Procurement Portal (KPPP) is November 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM.

DULT has invited bids from qualified consultancy firms with the relevant capabilities to undertake the techno-economic feasibility assessment. Interested bidders can access the tender documents through the KPPP portal at https://kppp.karnataka.gov.in.

The study is intended to examine the transition from the existing Bus Rapid Transit System to a modern tram system operating on dedicated tracks between Hubballi and Dharwad.

Assessing the Potential for Modern Tram-Based Mobility

The proposed feasibility study will be an important preliminary step in determining the viability of the transition. A techno-economic assessment can help evaluate the technical requirements and financial implications of a proposed transport system before decisions are taken on implementation.

For Hubballi-Dharwad, the study will focus specifically on the proposed shift from BRTS to a modern tram system. Its findings will help inform the next steps, although the tender notification does not specify the study's detailed scope, estimated cost, completion timeline or the eventual configuration of the proposed tram network.

The invitation is part of the planning process for assessing public transport alternatives in Karnataka's twin-city region. Any decision on proceeding with the conversion will depend on the findings of the study and subsequent decisions by the competent authorities.

A Preliminary Step Towards Future Transport Planning

The tender provides an opportunity for qualified consultancies to participate in evaluating a potential change in the Hubballi-Dharwad public transport system. The study's outcome could provide a technical and economic basis for determining whether a modern tram system is a viable alternative to the existing BRTS arrangement.

At this stage, DULT has invited bids only for the feasibility study. The tender notification does not announce a final decision to implement the tram system, a construction tender or a project execution schedule.

With the November 17, 2026, deadline approaching, interested consultancies can review the official tender documents on the KPPP portal and submit their bids in accordance with the prescribed requirements.